Buying or Selling a Home/Home warranty

QuestionI have a 42 year old townhome. The heating and air units are original. Currently I have tenants renting my home. I'm unemployed. I tried to sell it myself. But it didn't sell. I offered with the home a year home warranty. I'm scared to hold on for another year without some back-up support for the air and heat units and heat pump. Do you think it's beneficial to get a home warranty for the remainder of the time that I own it? Would it help to have a warranty if the heat and air went out? The cost for me is of real concern since I'm not working. Do you have any companies that you prefer?

AnswerDear Leigh;
I would say that your Heating and Air units are probably on their last leg and with renters in your townhome, they may not take care of the system the way you would like in order to maintain it and care for it. It is almost a certainty that there will be problems soon. A home warranty will certainly help in the event that something breaks down but you have to read the fine print of all of the home warranties. There is usually a cap on what will be paid and there is also an out of pocket expense. I don't want to publicly endorse a company since my response is something that can be read by anyone. I would encourage you to do your research and see what is covered and for how much, but most of these companies are very competitive in their fees and coverage.

Expertise

buying and selling process such as:General questions from first time buyersHow to market a homeWhy choose a REALTORHow do I find a REALTORShould I consider buying or selling without a REALTOR--how much can I save Should I remodel or move How much can I expect to gain by fixing up my home before selling Helpful tips when sellingHelpful tips when buyingfinding a good mortgage loanwhat is the difference between banks, mortgage bankers, and mortgage brokersQuestions from the general public, people thinking about getting their real estate license, newly licensed.Fellow professionals who have interests in networking and how to get startedWhat is a market evaluation and how does it differ from an appraisal what are the different loan programsservices a REALTOR can performwhen to use a lawyerwhen to use escrowwhat are the regional differences in the buying and selling processwhat is the MLS and how does it workhow can the layman access information on the web--listings and other informationThese are just a few of the questions. I can suggest that if I am unable to answer a question I will refer the inquiry to a source that can.

Experience

Anyone who is in this business and who dedicates oneself to professionalism has continued to take classes and along with it,additional credentials, awards and honors. I can list a host of them, but my greatest accomplishments happen to be those of getting first time buyers (who didn't think they could afford to buy a home)into a home of their dreams. The look on their faces when I hand over the keys is worth all of the hard work.